SOWK301 Theories and Methods of Social Work

An introduction to the main theoretical traditions informing the practice of social
work in the Aotearoa/New Zealand context, their expression in Social Work methods,
and the location of these theories and models within an overview of theoretical perspectives.

This paper provides the foundation for the social work professional programme for
both on-campus and distance students. It provides an overview of theory using the
ecological model as a framework. The purpose of this paper is to explore the application
of theory to social work practice in Aotearoa/New Zealand. The content covers theories
and models that shape assessment and guide intervention at each of the three levels
of the ecological model. This paper introduces the concept of practice frameworks,
which allow for the integration of different theories and models in a coherent manner.

Theories and models introduced during this paper will be critically evaluated
in relation to culture, class, gender, age and ability. Given that many of these theories
and models have been developed in other contexts, their relevance for practice in
Aotearoa/New Zealand is explored. Students are also encouraged to evaluate these theories
in relation to their own values. The material provided in lectures will be applied
to case studies to provide students with the opportunity to explore the practical
application of theory. Students will have the opportunity to critically evaluate theories
and models from the perspective of their practical application and their own values.
In the final assignment students will be required to develop their own framework for
practice and apply this to their chosen case study.

The paper is divided into three modules exploring theories and models that shape social
work practice at micro- (individuals and families), meso- (organisations and communities)
and macro- (societal and political) levels.

Workshop

First Semester

Lecture

Stream

Days

Times

Weeks

Attend

L1

Monday

10:00-11:50

10-16, 18-22

Tuesday

09:00-10:50

10-16, 18-22

Workshop

Stream

Days

Times

Weeks

Attend

A1

Monday

10:00-16:50

9

AND

B1

Tuesday

09:00-16:50

9

An introduction to the main theoretical traditions informing the practice of social
work in the Aotearoa/New Zealand context, their expression in Social Work methods,
and the location of these theories and models within an overview of theoretical perspectives.

This paper provides the foundation for the social work professional programme for
both on-campus and distance students. It provides an overview of theory using the
ecological model as a framework. The purpose of this paper is to explore the application
of theory to social work practice in Aotearoa/New Zealand. The content covers theories
and models that shape assessment and guide intervention at each of the three levels
of the ecological model. This paper introduces the concept of practice frameworks,
which allow for the integration of different theories and models in a coherent manner.

Theories and models introduced during this paper will be critically evaluated
in relation to culture, class, gender, age and ability. Given that many of these theories
and models have been developed in other contexts, their relevance for practice in
Aotearoa/New Zealand is explored. Students are also encouraged to evaluate these theories
in relation to their own values. The material provided in lectures will be applied
to case studies to provide students with the opportunity to explore the practical
application of theory. Students will have the opportunity to critically evaluate theories
and models from the perspective of their practical application and their own values.
In the final assignment students will be required to develop their own framework for
practice and apply this to their chosen case study.

The paper is divided into three modules exploring theories and models that shape social
work practice at micro- (individuals and families), meso- (organisations and communities)
and macro- (societal and political) levels.